scholarly journals A meta-analysis of global stillbirth rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Mohan ◽  
Kwabena Appiah-Sakyi ◽  
Ashok Oliparambil ◽  
Abdul Pullatayil ◽  
Stephen Lindow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Stillbirth Rate ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Language Restriction ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background The global effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on pregnancy and outcomes. There has been recently some conflicting evidence on the stillbirths during the COVID-19 pandemic. This meta-analysis attempts to resolve this through a systematic approach. Objectives To analyse and determine the impact of COVID-19 on the stillbirth rate. Search strategy We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science from inception to 05 March 2021 with no language restriction for this meta-analysis. Selection criteria Publications (a) with stillbirth data on pregnant women with COVID-19 (b) comparing stillbirth rates in pregnant women with and without COVID-19 and (c), comparing stillbirth rates before and during the pandemic. Data collection and Analysis The included studies were all observational studies, and we used the Newcastle Ottawa score for risk of bias. We performed the meta-analysis using Comprehensive meta-analysis software, version 3. Main results A total of 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis; from 17 of these, the SB rate was 7 per 1000 in pregnant women with COVID-19. This rate was much higher (34/1000) in low- and middle-income countries. The odds ratio of stillbirth in pregnant women with COVID-19 compared to those without was 1.89. However, there was no significant difference in population SB rates before and during the pandemic. Conclusions There is some evidence that the stillbirth rate has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this is mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Inadequate access to healthcare during the pandemic could be a contributing factor.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 infection in Low and Middle-Income Countries and risk classification in the context of rolling out vaccine candidate across these countries : Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Ackah ◽  
Louise Ameyaw ◽  
Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo ◽  
Cynthia Osei Yeboah ◽  
Nana Esi Wood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Seroprevalence of SARS Cov-2 provides a good indication of the extent of exposure and spread in the population, as well as those likely to benefit from a vaccine candidate. To date, there is no published or ongoing systematic review on the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This systematic review and meta-analysis will estimate SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence and the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in LMICs.Methods We will search PubMed, EMBASE, WHO COVID-19 Global research database, Google Scholar, the African Journals Online, LILAC, HINARI, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Cochrane Library for potentially useful studies on seroprevalence of COVID-19 in LMICs from December 2019 to December 2020 without language restriction. Two authors will independently screen all the articles, select studies based on pre-specified eligibility criteria and extract data using a pre-tested data extraction form. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion between the authors. The pooled seroprevalence of SARS CoV-2 for people from LMICs will be calculated. Random effects model will be used in case of substantial heterogeneity in the included studies, otherwise fixed-effect model will be used. A planned subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses will be performed. For comparative studies, the analyses will be performed using Review Manager v 5.4; otherwise, STATA 16 will be used. All effect estimates will be presented with their confidence intervals.Discussion The study will explore and systematically review empirical evidence on SARS Cov-2 seroprevalence in LMICs, and to assess the risk factors for SARS Cov-2 infection in Low Middle Income Countries in the context of rolling out vaccines in these countries. Finally, explore risk classifications to help with the rolling out of vaccines in LMICs.Systematic review registration: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD422020221548).

scholarly journals Effect of Food Environment Interventions on Anthropometric Outcomes in School-Aged Children and Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Carducci ◽  
Christina Oh ◽  
Emily C Keats ◽  
Daniel E Roth ◽  
Zulfiqar A Bhutta
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

ABSTRACT Food environments may promote access to unhealthy foods, contributing to noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). This review assessed published evidence on the effects of food environment interventions on anthropometric (BMI and weight status) outcomes in school-aged children (5–9 y) and adolescents (10–19 y) (SACA) in LMICs. We summarized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies (QES) published since 2000 to August 2019 in the peer-reviewed and gray literature that assessed the effects of food-related behavioral and environmental interventions on diet-related health outcomes in SACA in LMICs. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) were searched using appropriate keywords, Medical Subject Headings, and free text terms. Eleven RCTs and 6 QES met the inclusion criteria, testing multicomponent behavioral and environmental interventions in schools. Analysis of 6 RCTs (n  = 17,054) suggested an overall effect on change in BMI [mean difference (MD): −0.11, 95% CI: −0.19 , −0.03], whereas there was no observed effect in 5 studies using endline BMI (n  = 17,371) (MD: 0.05, 95% CI: −0.32, 0.21). There was no significant pooled effect among the 3 QES (n  = 5,023) that reported differences in change in BMI or endline (MD: −0.37, 95% CI: −0.95, 0.22). There is limited evidence to support the modification of diet-related health outcomes through school-based food environment interventions in SACA in LMICs. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of school and community-based food environment interventions on nutritional status in this population.

scholarly journals Community-based distribution of iron–folic acid supplementation in low- and middle-income countries: a review of evidence and programme implications

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justine A Kavle ◽  
Megan Landry
Keyword(s):  
Folic Acid ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Iron Folic Acid ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractObjectiveThe present literature review aimed to review the evidence for community-based distribution (CBD) of iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation as a feasible approach to improve anaemia rates in low- and middle-income countries.DesignThe literature review included peer-reviewed studies and grey literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILAC and Scopus databases.SettingLow- and middle-income countries.SubjectsNon-pregnant women, pregnant women, and girls.ResultsCBD programmes had moderate success with midwives and community health workers (CHW) who counselled on health benefits and compliance with IFA supplementation. CHW were more likely to identify and reach a greater number of women earlier in pregnancy, as women tended to present late to antenatal care. CBD channels had greater consistency in terms of adequate supplies of IFA in comparison to clinics and vendors, who faced stock outages. Targeting women of reproductive age through school and community settings showed high compliance and demonstrated reductions in anaemia.ConclusionsCBD of IFA supplementation can be a valuable platform for improving knowledge about anaemia, addressing compliance and temporary side-effects of IFA supplements, and increasing access and coverage of IFA supplementation. Programmatic efforts focusing on community-based platforms should complement services and information provided at the health facility level. Provision of training and supportive supervision for CHW on how to counsel women on benefits, side-effects, and when, why, and how to take IFA supplements, as part of behaviour change communication, can be strengthened, alongside logistics and supply systems to ensure consistent supplies of IFA tablets at both the facility and community levels.

scholarly journals The impact of antibiotics on growth in children in low and middle income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BMJ ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 348 (apr15 6) ◽  
pp. g2267-g2267 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. K. Gough ◽  
E. E. M. Moodie ◽  
A. J. Prendergast ◽  
S. M. A. Johnson ◽  
J. H. Humphrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e042788
Author(s):  
Chukwudi Arnest Nnaji ◽  
Paul Kuodi ◽  
Fiona M Walter ◽  
Jennifer Moodley
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Cervical Cancers ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Timely Diagnosis ◽  
Evidence Summary ◽  
Low And Middle Income

IntroductionBreast and cervical cancers pose a major public health burden globally, with disproportionately high incidence, morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The majority of women diagnosed with cancer in LMICs present with late-stage disease, the treatment of which is often costlier and less effective. While interventions to improve the timely diagnosis of these cancers are increasingly being implemented in LMICs, there is uncertainty about their role and effectiveness. The aim of this review is to systematically synthesise available evidence on the nature and effectiveness of interventions for improving timely diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers in LMICs.Methods and analysisA comprehensive search of published and relevant grey literature will be conducted. The following electronic databases will be searched: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). Evidence will be synthesised in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Two reviewers will independently screen the search outputs, select studies using predefined inclusion criteria and assess each included study for risk of bias. If sufficient data are available and studies are comparable in terms of interventions and outcomes, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Where studies are not comparable and a meta-analysis is not appropriate, a narrative synthesis of findings will be reported.Ethics and disseminationAs this will be a systematic review of publicly available data, with no primary data collection, it will not require ethical approval. Findings will be disseminated widely through a peer-reviewed publication and forums such as conferences, workshops and community engagement sessions. This review will provide a user-friendly evidence summary for informing further efforts at developing and implementing interventions for addressing delays in breast and cervical cancer diagnosis in LMICs.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020177232.

scholarly journals Covid-19 Infection, Illness and Deaths Among Healthcare Workers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review Protocol

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Ocan ◽  
Brenda Allen Kawala ◽  
Ephraim Kisangala ◽  
Regina Ndagire ◽  
Rachel Nante Wangi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mesh Terms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: Globally, health care workers continue to be infected, fall ill and die at the frontline of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fight, an indicator of inadequate safety in health facilities. This rapid evidence synthesis aims to highlight the impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) in terms of infections, illnesses and deaths. Methods: A systematic review will be done. Article search will be performed by an experienced librarian in PubMed, MEDLINE Ovid, Google Scholar, COVID-END, Cochrane library and targeted search from other relevant sources. MeSH terms and Boolean operators “AND” and “OR” will be used in the article search. Independent reviewers will screen the retrieved articles using a priori criteria. Data abstraction will be done using an excel based abstraction tool and synthesized using structured narratives and summary of findings tables. Discussion and anticipated use of results: This evidence synthesis seeks to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare systems of low- and middle-income countries. Information on healthcare worker infections, illness, and deaths due to COVID-19, will be collated from published research articles. This will help guide decision makers in establishing low- cost high impact interventions to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the health work force.Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD 42020204174

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